Brassiere



P T970 J. w. ABRAMO 3,528,431

BBASSIERE Filed April 8.- 96 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

JOHN W. ABRAMO BY ymaflwm ATTORNEY J. W. ABRAMO Sept. 15, 1910 BRASSIERE2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 8, 1968 INVENTOR. JOHN W. ABRAMO ATTORNEYUnited States Patent 3,528,431 BRASSIERE John W. Abramo, 2089 Oak ValleyRoad, Glendale, Calif. 91208 Filed Apr. 8, 1968, Ser. No. 721,133 Int.Cl. A41c 3/00 U.S. Cl. 128-484 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Abrassiere construction providing both freedom of movement and verticallyadjustable, three-point suspension for the wearer. The constructionincludes a first cradle member made up of a pair of semi-cups attachedto a body support band for supporting the lower portions of the breasts,each semi-cup having a hammocktype support, plus an outer shellcomprising a pair of vertically-adjustable pockets which envelope thebreasts and body and shoulder straps for securing the brassiere to thewearer.

This invention relates to an improvement in brassieres.

Heretofore probably the most prevalent limitation in the design ofbrassieres, especially those for large busts, is the failure to providea fully-adjustable breast-supporting construction and hence neglectingto impart that degree of freedom-of-motion desired by the wearer, whilefurther neglecting to provide means to comfortably vary the degree ofuplift provided.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to providean improved brassiere construction which imparts adjustable upliftingsupport for the breasts of the wearer, hence contributing to a womansfigure, comfort and health.

Another object is to provide a brassiere construction in which theprimary uplifting is effected along a line slightly below the nipples soas to afford a direct lift without ,lateral displacement and at the sametime distributing the lifting force over a substantial area of flesh soas to avoid local constriction and unnatural molding of the breasts,without sacrificing comfort or freedom-of-rnovement on the part of thewearer.

A specific object is to provide a brassiere construction utilizing athree-point uplifting force for each breast comprising a two-pointhammock suspension for each of a pair of stiffened semi-cups plus anindependent and vertically-adjustable suspension for each of a pair ofbreast pockets which cover the semi-cups and the breasts.

Additionally, most brassieres are constructed so that it becomesnecessary to unfasten the brassiere proper to expose one or both breastsfor nursing purposes. Thus still another object of the present inventionis to provide a construction in which the brassiere proper remains inposition on the wearer and wherein the breasts may be exposed withoutunfastening the body or shoulder straps of the garment.

To achieve these and objects, the brassier construction of the presentinvention includes a first cradle member which is particularlybeneficial to the fuller figures in which the heavy breasts present aproblem of support. This cradle member is formed of stiffened fabric andcomprises a generally flat body band which fits snugly about the chestof the wearer directly beneath the breasts, breast supporting members inthe form of a pair of semi-cups which are shaped to contain the lowerportions of the breasts. This cradle member also includes a flexiblesuspension hanger attached to each semi-cup at opposite sides thereof soas to provide two loops which support the cups in a hammock-like manner.

The brassiere construction also includes an outer shell "ice memberwhich encircles the body and comprises a frontal part in the form of twoflexible breast pockets, plus two duplicate backward extensionsreleasably attachable at the back of the wearer and a pair of shoulderstraps connected to the backward extensions and disposed to loopopposite shoulders of the wearer. The outer shell is stitched to thebody band so that the breast pockets are in front of the correspondingsemi-cups. In the case of fuller breasts, with the conventional typebrassiere the upper portions of the breast pockets tend to exert adownward and inward pressure against the flesh which has been forcedupward by the stiffened lower portions of the pockets. This pressure maycause discomfort and prevent adequate movement of the flesh tocompensate for body movements of the wearer. Accordingly this inventionprovides for adjustment of the breast pockets so as to providesubstantial vertical uplifting of the breasts without verticallydisplacing the cradle member and without discomfort to the wearer. Thisis achieved by providing additionally the upper portion of each outerpocket with a hook member which can be adjustably and releasablyattached to one of a vertical row of horizontal pins carried by a fabriclink strap. Each link strap is secured to an adjustable buckle at thefree end of each shoulder strap and also is slidably attached to one ofthe loops of the flexible suspension hanger, hence providing athree-point suspension for each breast.

The above and other novel features of the invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment of the invention which is to be considered together with theaccompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a detailed back or inner view of the cradle member of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment distendedas when worn;

FIG. 3 is a fragmented back view of the prefered embodiment distended aswhen worn;

FIG. 4 shows a side and back perspective view of the same brassiere asit appears on a wearer;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of one of the loops of the flexiblesuspension hanger and the link strap and shoulder strap with which it isassociated; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through lines 77 of FIG. 6.

Referring first to FIG. 1, wherein like parts are identified by likenumerals, there is shown a cradle member 18 comprising a flexible bodysupport band 20 adapted to fit snugly against the chest of the wearer,directly beneath the brests. Preferably, but not necessarily, the band20 is made of drill cloth (or duck) and flannel (or the like) laminatedtogether, with the layer of flannel forming a soft inner face. Prior tolamination, drill cloth or duck is preferably treated in a manner wellknown in the art so as to provide suflicient body to enable it to holdits shape under repeated laundering. In addition to the above fabriccombination, it should be noted that any other textile which will affordthe desired strength and stiffness characteristics, and comfort to thewearer, may be substituted therefor. The support band 20 is shaped sothat its upper edge 21 defines a pair of identical and adjacent concavedepressions somewhat lower where the two depressions meet than at theiropposite sides. The lower edge 23 of the body band is also generallyconcave, having its apex substantially directly below the median of theupper concave depressions. Stitched vertically, one along each side ofthe band, on opposite sides of the upper-edge depressions, are a pair ofstiffening ribs 22, formed of thin strips of plastic, metal, or otherstiff and resiliently-flexible material. The cradle member also includesa pair of semi-cups 24 each formed with a convex lower edge and agenerally fiat upper edge. Each cup is made of the same material as bodyband 20 and is rounded longitudinally so that it will conform to theshape of a breast slightly below the nipple. The cups may be formed froma common piece of fabric so as to be joined together or preferably, asin the illustrated embodiment, may be formed as two separate parts. Thetwo semi-cups are disposed side by side and their lower edges areattached to the upper edge 21 of body band 20. Preferably the cups areattached by stitching as shown at 25. The lower edges of the cupsoverlap the upper edge 21 of the band, such that a portion 26 of theedge 21 extends above the lower edge of each cup (see FIG. This upwardlyextending portion 26 of the band lies adjacent the chest of the wearerdirectly beneath the breasts. Preferably the maximum height of theseupwardly-extending portions 26 occurs generally at the centerpoint ofthe lower edge of each cup and tapers toward the sides of the cups.Thus, when the brassiere is worn, the lower portion of the breasts willbe supported by the semi-cups and the edges of the upwardly extendingportions of the body band will lie directly against the lower contour ofthe breasts.

Additional support for the semi-cups 24 is achieved by the use of aflexible suspension hanger identified generally at '28 which consists ofa suitable fiat strap made of fabric and is attached by its ends, bystitching, to the body band at the far sides of the two semi-cups, whileits center is stitched to the body band at the center where the semicupsmeet, thereby forming two loops 30. As an alternative measure, thesuspension hanger may be joined from two separate pieces of fabricstrap, each forming one of the loops 30. Each loop 30 has a half-twistso that its opposite face will be disposed toward the body of the wearerwhen the brassiere is being worn. These loops 30 are of a length so thateach will extend over and conform to the upper contours of the wearersbreasts. By means hereinafter described, these hangers are connected toshoulder straps, also hereinafter described.

Referring now also to FIGS. 2-5, and particularly FIG. 2, the brassierealso includes an outer shell 32 with a frontal portion 33 having twoouter pockets 34 and opposing back sides or backward extensions 36. Thelatter are releasably joined together across the back of the wearer by asuitable engaging means, preferably being comprised of a first verticalrow of hooks 40 sewn to a resilient-stretchable fabric or an elasticstrap 42, which is stitched to one of the backward extensions 36. Two ormore spaced vertical rows of eyes 44 are sewn to a spacer piece 46 whichis sewn to one side of a second elastic strip 48 that is secured to theother backward extension 36.

Preferably the frontal portion 33 and the backward extensions 36 are oflaminated construction, comprising two or three pieces of flexiblefabric sewn together with the pockets 34 being integral with the outerlayer of fabric. Preferably the pockets are joined of several pieces offabric which are shaped and stitched together so as to have a convexmolded form which conforms generally to the rounded shape of a breast.Preferably the pockets and the outer layer of the frontal portion 33 andbackward extensions 36 are of a lightweight and preferably large-meshtextile material such as nylon or cotton lace or the like. The loweredges of pockets 34 are coextensive with and are secured by stitching tothe convex lower edges of cups 24 or to that area of support band 20directly adjacent the cups. Although the stitching may form a continuousseam, it preferably consists of several shortspaced seams formed at thecorresponding sides of the pockets and cups and at the lower centerthereof. Preferably, the adjacent upper edges of pockets 34 converge soas to define a V-shaped opening 50. Additionally the upper portion ofeach pocket 34 forms an apex substantially vertically above the nipple.A small hook 54 is secured at or near this apex.

From FIGS. 2 and 4, it is shown that the lower, continuous. edge ofmember 32 is disposed to fit snulgly about the body of the wearer.Accordingly, a strap of elastic or resilient-stretchable fabric 56 issewn to this lower edge. If desired, the frontal portion also may bemade of an elastic fabric.

Secured to the backward extensions 36 in any suitable manner such asstitching are two flat shoulder straps 58 disposed to lie flat and passover opposite shoulders of the wearer. The free front ends of theseshoulder straps pass through identical buckles 59 (-FIG. 6), the latterbeing adjustable along the strap so that the effective strap length canbe varied as desired. The buckles are of conventional design, preferablybut not necessarily having a first section 60 of three parallel spacersclosed at opposite ends so as to define two parallel elongated openings,and an additional section 62 formed of a pair of spacers defining athird parallel opening; section 62 being slidably attached to firstsection 60.

Also attached to each buckle 5-9, generally opposite the point ofattachment of shoulder strap 58, is a link strap 64 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).Each link strap 64 preferably is a continuous, closed loop of a flatfabric material, passing around one spacer of the buckle and also arounda corresponding one of uplifting loops 30. Each link strap thus slidesfreely along the corresponding one of loops 30. A line of stitching 66across each link strap serves to form a separate loop around each hangerloop 30, thereby acting to maintain the flat shape of the hanger whensupported by a corresponding link strap.

' Stitched to the flat outer surface of each link strap 64, facing awayfrom the body of the wearer, is a catch means in the form of a pluralityof bars or pins 68, disposed horizontally so that at least a portion ofeach is exposed and can be releasably engaged by a corresponding one ofbreast pocket books 54. A variable number of pins 68 can be attached toeach link strap. Preferably though, at least three pins are provided toafford a selection of three vertical positionsfor the pocket hook.

From the above, the manner in which the brassiere is worn should beobvious. Support band 20 fits under the breasts which are supported inpart by semi-cups 24, the loops 30 lie across the upper surfaces of thebreasts, supported by buckles 58 which are attached to shoulder straps56. Outer pockets 34 support the front parts of the breasts and coverthe upper surfaces of the breasts, With the degree of support beingdetermined by the positions of hooks 54 with respect to pins 68.

Several advantages are afforded by the above design. Foremost is theprovision of a three-point breast suspensi-on with a built in verticaluplifting adjustment. To achieve these features, neither comfort norfreedom-ofmovement are sacrificed. The supporting cups 24 with theirhammock-type suspension contain the breasts in their correct frontalposition as well as providing vertical support. Since the upliftinghanger loops 30 and the link straps 64 are slidably joined, adjustmentto achieve vertical alignment with respect to the nipples and thesemicups is possible without any attendant lateral pull in eitherdirection. The outer pockets 34 fully contain the breasts and theadjustment thereof provided by hooks 54 and pins 68 permits adjustmentin the degree of vertical lift along parallel lines through the nipples.For nursing purposes, it should also be evident that outer pockets 34can be unhooked and lowered without unfastening the backward extensions36 or shoulder straps 58. Finally in addition to forming a naturalsupport for each breast, this construction also directs the front endsof the shoulder straps inwardly, hence overcoming the tendency of thestraps to slip off the shoulders.

Since certain changes may be made in the above product without departingfrom the scope of the invention herein involved it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawing shall be interpreted in an illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:

1. A brassiere which comprises in combination:

a cradle member comprising a body support band and a pair of contouredbreast-supporting cups, said breast cups being secured along their loweredges to said support band and each breast cup having a convex loweredge and a generally flat upper edge and wherein each cup is rounded soas to conform to the shape of a breast slightly below the nipple;

a suspension hanger comprising two flexible loops attached to saidcradle member at opposite sides of said cups;

an outer shell comprising an outer body-encircling member having meansfor releasably securing said outer member about the body of the wearerand a pair of pockets aligned with and covering said cups, said pocketscontoured to substantially fully cover the breasts of the wearer;

a pair of shoulder straps attached to said outer bodyencircling memberand disposed to loop over the shoulders of the wearer;

a pair of buckles, one each of said buckles attached to the free end ofa corresponding shoulder strap for adjusting the eifective lengththereof;

connecting means coupled to said buckles for providing a slidableconnection with said flexible loops;

securing means attached to the upper end of each of said pockets; and

means attached to said connecting means for adjustably engaging andholding said securing means.

12. The brassiere of claim -1 wherein the upper edge of said body bandis characterized by a pair of concave depressions and wherein saidcontoured cups are separate members and are attached to the body band sothat a marginal portion of said upper edge along said concavedepressions extends above the lower edges of the cups and lies againstthe chest of the wearer directly adjacent the lower posterior portionsof the breasts.

,3. The brassiere of claim ;1 wherein said cradle member is made of alaminated textile fabric comprised of drill cloth and flannel.

4. The brassiere of claim 1 wherein said pockets are of a lace fabric.

-5. The brassiere of claim 1 wherein each of said pockets has anupwardly convenging edge which forms an apex substantially verticallyabove the nipple and wherein said securing means comprises a hookattached adjacent said apex of each of said pockets.

6. The brassiere of claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprisesstraps looped about said flexible loops.

7. The brassiere of claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means comprisesat least two horizontally-disposed pins secured in a vertical row so asto be releasably engageable by said one of said securing means.

8. The brassiere of claim .1 wherein at least one portion of saidbody-enclosing member is of a resilientstretchable fabric.

9. The brassiere of claim 1 wherein said pockets are made of a lacematerial.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,164,155 1/1965 Simonsen 12.8486 3,419,895 12/1968 Stephensen 128484 3,439,682 4/1969 Defru 128-460ADELE M. EAGER, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R,.

